The first day began at 10.00 am with a huge cultural rally with a march of three kilometres. The participant tribals gathered in the specified place in their tribal costumes, tribal musical instruments and weapons. It was so wonderful to see Indian tribals with its rich, great & unique diversity with their songs, dance, dress, musical instruments. One who witnessed the event could vividly see the unity in diversity. The rally started with a small pooja and then it slowly moved dancing and settled under a big pandal but the pandal could not accommodate all as the number was so big and the Pandal became small for two lakh and fifty thousand people. One of the main attractions of this convention was a huge Warli Painting which was 40 feet long. It is probably the biggest traditional painting in India. All the participants relished and enjoyed the tribal dishes from the stalls. There were about 50 stalls put up for displaying the tribal arts & crafts and tribal food.

The first day’s sessions were divided into three sessions for – 1. Women 2. Youth 3. Tribal Literature. It started with a tribal way of prayer - Prakirit Pooja (Nature’s Worship) and Dharti Vandana. Dharti Vandana song was sung by all participants very devotionally. Then floral homage was paid on the photos of tribal freedom fighters – Birsa Munda, Rani Durgawati and also on Mahayogi Mata.

The keynote address of women session was delivered by Mrs. Ranjna Pawara. She began with a slogan – Ek Teer Ek Kaman, Mahila Purush Ek Saman. She emphasized on women empowerment and role of women in the society. She also spoke on the fundamental right to freedom and equality. Many prominent women speakers spoke on the various issues and struggles of women in various parts of India. Woman advocate (Public Prosecutor) spoke on legal aspects of women. Thus many tribal women, youth and tribal writers and scholars spoke on various tribal issues of their respective states. There was also a cultural evening program at 8.00 pm where the tribal children performed their tribal dances and songs. A big painting on the theme of the event was explained by the painter.

The second day of the 26th Adivasi Sanskritik Mahasammean began with a huge rally started from 3 kilometers away at Birsa Munda Chowk. The new President of Adivasi Ekta Parishad (for one year) Shri Bhupendra Vasava from Gujrat was introduced to the assembly. He was put a new turban by the former President Shi Jeevraj Damore of Rajasthan. The Chief Guest of the mega tribal convention was Honourable Miss Anusuiya Uikey, Vice-Chair Person of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. In the very outset she congratulated for the tremendous amount of zeal and efforts made by the organizers for the 26th Adivasi Sanskritik Mahasammelan. In her address she said that constitutional provisions and rights are not yet been given fully to the tribals. She appreciated the rich tribal culture of different tribal communities. The tribal culture is the only culture that is alive in this world, she said. Western countries adopting our culture. Tribal women used Godna on their body (foreheads, hands and feet which is being used in a modern way and termed as Tattoo. Tribal ornaments are available in many stalls and shops in high rates. people feel pride in using the tribal costumes and dress. The tribal songs have become very popular today, even in the films today. Our tribal music and songs have become popular in our country as well in the foreign countries, she added. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar tried to mainstream the tribals. And for this purpose he made a special provision in the Constitution of India in the form of Fifth & Sixth Schedule and in PESA Act. So that they can develop socially, economically and educationally. She emphasized the significance of political reservation. She also clearly mentioned the roles and responsibilities of Governors and the President in PESA Act and particularly in Fifth & Sixth Schedule. She said that ST commission is a Constitutional commission so it is a very important commission. Apart from the Chief Guest Miss Anusuiya Uikey many former eminent MLA, MPs, IAS and Advocates addressed the assembly/convention.

Fr. Nicholas Barla, SVD, Secretary, CBCI, Office for Tribal Affairs also presented about his address to the UNO on tribal issues. There was again a cultural show casing in the evening. The recommendations of 26th Adivasi Adivasi Sanskritik Ekta Mahasammelan 2019 was read by Mr. Ashok Choudhary, General Secretary of Adivasi Ekta Parishad on 14th January, 2019 that included the Fifth Schedule, Scheduled Areas, Sixth Schedule , Tribal Advisory Council, Role & responsibilities of Governor & President, Commission for Scheduled Tribes, tribal issues and problems faced by the tribals and the demands of constitutional rights of the indigenous people of India.It was announced that 27th Adivasi Sanskritik Ekta Mahasammelan will be held in Palgar, Maharashra in 2020.

Bihu dance was performed by a group of tribals from Assam There were few deliberations by some prominent tribal speakers and concluded by an evaluation session. Group dance by all tribals present there left a good memory at the end. Thus 26th Adivasi Sanskritik Ekta Mahasammelan 2019 became a historical event with great success in the land of Union Territory of Dadar & Nagar Haveli.

Lalita Roshni Lakra, DSA

CBCI Office for Tribal Affairs

Artists form a National Dalit Christian Artists Forum

Artists form a National Dalit Christian Artists Forum

A three day Dalit Christian Artists workshop was held from 18th to 20th January 2019 at Indian Social Institute, Bangalore. Around 17 Dalit Christian artists from different parts of India, belonging to various denominations, participated in the workshop. Fr. Devasagayaraj, and Fr. Selva, the ISI director motivated the artists to come out with Dalit arts with Christian faith perspective. They insisted that the arts, should not only bring out the pathetic reality of the Dalits but should also bring out the faith aspect of Hope which is one of the core values of Christianity.

The artists also shared their artworks with other artists. Ms. Sarianna and Mr. Jussi, visitors to the workshop, shared their experience of art wok with Dalit Christian artists. On 20th an exhibition was held by displaying the artworks done by the artists. Mr. Kennedy the Regional SC/ST Commission joint secretary welcomed all. Mr. Inbakumar, General Secretary of Students Christian Movement( SCM) opened the exhibition. In his address he said that Dalits have their own culture which is very rich and we should appreciate it and tell the society and the whole world about its richness. He also insisted that we should make use of our art forms as weapons of Dalit Liberation.

The artists felt happy about their coming together and they formed a National Dalit Christian artists forum to acknowledge and appreciate the Dalit artists who are usually recognised not by the society. The purpose of the forum is to identify and encourage the Dalit Christian artists. They also plan to conduct training programs for the young people, so that their artistic talents are nurtured. Mr. Robinson, National one of the Coordinators for the CBCI Office for SC/BC did the logistics of the workshop.

Fr. Devasagayaraj, Secretary, CBCI Office for SC/BC

Prayers for Christian Unity

Message for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

My Dear Brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ! We are gathering together to pray for Unity. At least once a year, Christians are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (see John 17.21). Hearts are touched and Christians come together to pray for their unity. Congregations and parishes all over the world exchange preachers or arrange special ecumenical celebrations and prayer services. The event that touches off this special experience is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Christians all over the world is gathering together in different parts of the world in this week to pray

together and to share their spiritual treasures. Traditionally the week of prayer is celebrated between 18-25 January, between the feasts of St Peter and St Paul. This year the theme for the week of prayer for Christian Unity, "Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue ..." is inspired by Deuteronomy 16:18-20.

We’re stronger together as we encourage one another on. The unity of believers through the power of Jesus Christ, is a force that can’t be reckoned with.

For it’s hard to tear apart a cord of three strands, which can’t be easily broken. Let’s choose to set aside our differences and look to the greater purpose in this life. To honor Christ as King. Let’s choose to live out the Truth that says, “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). All that you do. All that you say. All that you stand for. Let’s do it with love. For perfect love, which comes from Christ, casts out all fear. And that is what gives us power to move forward, propelled with His strength, surrounded in peace, eyes on the One who gives us breath each day, filled with greater unity among the churches and in our land. And the Love will lead us to Justice, and vice versa. And where there is perfect love there is ultimate justice. May God bless us with His peace and unite us in his Love, in the Spirit which is the source of our unity. Let our hands be joined together for prayer, towards the ultimate aim of oneness in Christ. Let our prayer be the prayer of our Lord. “That we may be one as the Father and he are one”. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of us.

Mar Joseph Perumthottam

Chairman CBCI office for Dialogue and Desk for Ecumenism.

Rev. Fr. Stephen Antony Pillai appointed as the new Bishop of Tuticorin

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-05/2019 17th January, 2019

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Rev. Fr. Stephen Antony Pillai appointed as the new Bishop of Tuticorin

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of His Lordship Rt. Rev. Yvon Ambroise from the pastoral care of the Diocese of Tuticorin, according to canon 401§ 1 on reaching age limit, and has appointed Rev. Fr. Stephen Antony Pillai, of the clergy of Vellore, until now Director of the Diocesan Retreat Centre and Professor at St. Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirapalli, as the new Bishop of Tuticorin.

This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Thursday, 17th January, 2019, at noon local time, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

His Lordship Rt. Rev. Yvon Ambroise will be the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Tuticorin until the day of the canonical taking possession of the new Bishop.

Fr. Stephen Antony Pillai was born in Keezha Manakudy, Diocese of Kottar, on 22nd June, 1952 and was ordained priest on 07th May, 1979 for the Diocese of Vellore. He entered Santhome Minor Seminary, Chennai, in 1969. He did his Philosophy at Arul Anandar College, Madurai and Theology at St. Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirapalli. He obtained a Master Degree in Theology from St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore, and later a Doctorate in Biblical Theology from Urbanian University, Rome in 1989. He knows Tamil, Malayalam, English, Italian, German and French.

He served the Diocese in the following ministries: Asst. Parish Priest in Chetpet (1979-1980); Asst. Parish Priest in Polur (1980-1981); Parish Priest in Thachanbali (1983-1986). From 1986-1989 he did his studies in Rome and later served as missionary at Guadeloupe, France (1990-1996). On his return, he was Director of Pastoral Centre, Vellore (1996-1999), Professor at St. Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirapalli (1999-2001), Parish Priest of the Cathedral, Vellore (2001-2002), Vicar General and Parish Priest of the Cathedral (2002-2005), Vice Rector and Professor, St. Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirapalli (2006-2010), Parish Priest and Vicar Forane, Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Chetpet, and member of the Bishop’s Council, Vellore (2010-2016). He was visiting professor at Don Bosco Major Seminary, Chennai, and Pallottine Major Seminary, Mysore (2016-2017). Since 2017, he is the Director of the Diocesan Retreat Centre, and visiting professor at St. Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirapalli.

While thanking the Lord, for the dedicated services which Bishop Yvon Ambroise has rendered to the Church in Tuticorin and in India, let us entrust to the intercession of the Virgin Mary the episcopal ministry of the new Bishop.

We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop-elect Rev. Fr. Stephen Antony Pillai and assure him of our prayers.

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

Study and launch of the Revision of the “All India catholic Education 2007” begins in the Tribal heartland

Study and launch of the Revision of the “All India catholic Education 2007” begins in the Tribal heartland

Even as His Excellency Bishop Charles Soreng took wings to return to his heavenly abode, the “All India Catholic Education Policy 2007” for which he had made outstanding contribution in the years 2005 to 2007 as the Chairman Bishop of the CBCI Commission for Education and Culture, was being studied at length and in depth by the heads of schools in the tribal heartland in Jharkhand with the Bishops presiding over the meetings.

12th January, 2019: Meeting of the Heads of Schools at Khunti, Jharkhand:

Some 150 heads of schools accompanied by senior teachers participated at the day long study of the “All India Catholic Education Policy 2007” animated by Fr. Joseph Manipadam SDB. The special study to imbibe the content of the Policy at length at this time once again, after ten years was in view of initiating the revision of the Policy since a number of significant developments had taken place in the area of education in the country. For example when the “All India catholic Education Policy 2007” was promulgated, there was no “Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE)” bill; there was no “Loudato Si”; there was no “POCSO 2012”; there was no “Women’s Safety at Work Place” bill; there was no App based learning or Home study concept; there was no social media effect etc. Fr. Leo Bengra, the diocesan Director for education had convened the meeting which was attended by heads of Diocesan schools as well as schools run by Religious Congregations. The meeting was held from 10.00A.M. to 4.00 P.M.

14th January 2019: Launching the study and revision of the all India Catholic Education Policy in the Diocese of Simdega, Jharkhand:

Simdega perhaps has the biggest Tribal Catholic presence in the country. Some 200 or more heads of catholic Schools along with the teachers attended the day long intense study in view of revision of the “All India catholic Education Policy 2007” on 14th January 2019. Most Rev. Vincent Barua, the Bishop of Simdega and the Chairman Bishop for Education for Jharkhand Region presided over the meeting right through and addressed the participants twice, to begin the sessions and then to conclude. Fr. Joseph Manipadam animated the programme clearly highlighting the salient features of the Policy and showing the need for a revision now after ten years. He also gave an idea of the effectiveness of implementation of the Catholic Education Policy and showed how more than 7000 institutions have been evaluated and certified assessing the efforts made by each institution in implementing the Catholic Education Policy. He also pointed out that the Catholic Education Policy was clearly to uplift the poor and the marginalized section of society on preferential basis and the national effectiveness of implementation of the Catholic Education Policy by the Catholic institutions was well over 60%.

A day with Refugees

A day with Refugees

CBCI Office for Labour reached out to the Refugees on 12th January, 2019. It was heart rending to witness their joy to get something in this cold season. Budena village, Haryana has 30 refugee families with 65 children and their relatives in another village Ballabgarh, Faridabad, which are private lands belonging to kabbadi dealers. There are also six camps around ‘Nuh’ area and one in Mirzapur on private lands in Haryana. These refugees are living with the identity card given by UNHCR. This card will expire in 2020. Their anxiety is about a place to live with dignity. Their living condition is worse than a slum as they are engaged in rag picking and sorting out is done in their living place. They have no access to the hospitals as they do not have money to visit a hospital and get treated for a sickness. The children of these refugees learn only Arabic language as they have a teacher from among them.

They do not have access to constitutional remedies to claim their rights owing to their socially and economically disadvantageous position as they are refugees and STATELESS people. They are living in pitiable conditions in makeshift camps in and around Delhi and Haryana without proper shelter, and access to nutritious and hygienic food and drinking water, and without access to basic medical care, exposed to the vagaries of weather, communicable diseases and attacks by animals and rodents.

For the dealers, Refugees provide cheap labour. Unable to find any other means of livelihood, they are constrained to work for kabbadi dealers, without any protection of labour welfare legislations. Though they are exposed to unhygienic and hazardous elements, they are forced to work without any protection or safeguards.

CBCI Office for Labour visits them occasionally to provide them with some food items. Since they do not have any celebration Office for Labour decided to celebrate New Year with them by being with them and gifting them some food items and some blankets.

We hope they will be helped by Indians to live with dignity and freedom.

Sr. Rani Punnaserril

CBCI Office for Labour

Obituary of Most Rev. Charles Soreng, SJ, Bishop of Hazaribag and Daltonganj Dioceses.

Ref. CBCI-Gen/Cir-04/2019 15th January, 2019

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

OBITUARY

Most Rev. Charles Soreng, SJ,Bishop of Hazaribag and Daltonganj Dioceses.

Bishop Charles Soreng, S.J. was born on 18.08.1934 in the village called Chidratoli, Rengarih Parish in Simdega District of Simdega Diocese. His parents were Mr. Thomas Soreng and Mrs Mariam Soreng. They were very devout and righteous Christian parents, therefore God blessed them with six children: three boys and three girls, among whom Charles Soreng was the eldest son in the family. Two brothers and one sister were called to heaven before Bp. Charles. Two of his sisters; second sister Mrs. Agnes and her children and youngest sister and brother in law and their children are with us to pay last tribute to their eldest brother and beloved Uncle Bp. Charles.

Bishop Charles completed his primary and middle school from Rengarih school. During his studies he heard the call from the Lord to become a priest like Samuel in the Old Testament. To strengthen this call and to follow the Lord in his footsteps, he came to Ranchi and joined the Apostolic School at St. John’s school Ranchi and completed his high school studies. He joined St. Xavier’s College Ranchi and finished his intermediate studies in 1957. After his intermediate, he joined St. Stanislas College, Hazariabg and entered the Novitiate to become a Jesuit Priest. He received his first vows on 30th July, 1957.

He completed his B.A. from St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi in 1962. For his Philosophy studies, he was sent to Gyana Deep Vidyapeeth and staying at De Nobili College Pune, completed his philosophy in 1965. He did his Regency in St. Xavier’s school Doranda, for one year and went back to Pune for his Theological studies in 1966 and was ordained Priest on 24th March 1969 for Ranchi Province. As a new priest, he rendered his services in St. Xavier’s College Ranchi and Loyola school Kunkuri, Jashpur. He did his M.A. in English from Sholapur University in 1974 and completed his B.Ed. from Jabalpur. After his B.Ed., he became the Principal of St. John’s High school, Ranchi and rendered his services there from 1974 to 1977 as a Principal. He completed his M.A. in Education in 1977 from Boston University U.S.A. After that he was appointed as a Lecturer and Rector of St. Xavier’s College Ranchi, and remained in the post from 1979 to 1985. From 1985 to 1990 he served as a Rector and Professor at St. Albert’s College, the major seminary of BIJHAAN Region. In the year 1990 he was elected as the Bishop of Daltonganj Diocese and was consecrated as Bishop of Daltonganj on 9th February 1990 at Mahuadanr Palamau District. He replaced Bp. George Saupin, S.J. who was transferred to Bhagalpur Diocese. Daltonganj diocese was spread from Palamau, Garhwa, Latehar to Bakoro District of Jharkhand. It was very difficult to reach the distant places and cater to the needs of the faithful and Shepherd them. For the good shepherding of the people and remain united with one and all, he requested from Propaganda Fide, Rome to divide Daltonganj Diocese. This petition was soon granted and new Diocese in the name of Hazaribag Catholic Diocese was created in 1995. He was appointed to be the first Bishop of Hazaribag Catholic Diocese which comprises of Chatra, Ramgarh, Hazaribag, Bokaro and Koderma civil districts of Jharkhand State. He was solemnly installed as the first Bishop of Hazaribag Catholic Diocese in 1995, Since then he served the diocese till he retired on 8th September 2012.

His Services at the Local and National Level:-

1992- 1994 Chair Person CBCI Commission for Proclamation of the Word of God

1994-1998 Secretary General to the CBCI Office, New Delhi.

1998- 2006 Chair Person of CBCI Commission for Education.

Member of the Governing body of St. John’s Medical College Bangaluru.

Chairman of CBCI Office for Tribal welfare.

1997- Chair Person of BIJHAAN Bishop’s Council

He also rendered his services as the Chancellor of St. Albert’s College, Ranchi in the Department of Theology.

On 24th December 2018 at about 11.00 a.m. he had a heart attack and he was immediately rushed to the nearby Arogyam Hospital, Hazaribag. On the following day, as his health improved, he was taken to Medanta Hospital Irba, Ranchi for the better treatment. His health continued to show signs of improvement and by 31st December 2018, he could talk and walk. So, he was discharged from Medanta hospital and was kept in Manresa house Ranchi. On 7th January 2019, he was shifted to Seva Nilaya Health Centre Aragate, Ranchi. On 11th January 2019 Bishop Charles got up as usual, got himself ready and had his breakfast. Then, he complained of some weakness. The attendant Brother Prabal Khakha called the Sisters and Doctor immediately. Though they reached soon to attend him, but he had already breathed his last at 8.40 a.m.

Bishop Charles was a people oriented person. He could mingle with all sorts of people. He gave special attention to the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden, specially the Tribals. He believed that it was only through proper education that their condition could be changed. He was a man of God. He show everyone as a child of God and believed in Universal brotherhood. As Bishop in Daltonganj and later in Hazaribag, he established “Serv Dharm Sambhav Samanway Samiti”. He worked tirelessly for bringing peace, among all sections of the people of the Society. The civil society Daltonganj as well as in Hazaribag will remember him fondly for all his efforts in this field.

May the good Lord, reward him with the Eternal Life, Consolation and Peace to all the family members, relatives, friends, all the Priests, Religious men – women and the Laity of Hazaribag Catholic Diocese, Jharkhand-India.

The Obituary has been received by Most Rev. Anand Jojo, Bishop of Hazaribag Diocese.

Archbishop of Goa and Daman Archbishop of Chennai- Mylapore The Archbishop of Delhi

Chennai: Most Rev. Dr. Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman was elected as the new President of the CCBI by the 31st Plenary Assembly of the National Episcopal Conference of India, at Joe Animation Centre, Mahabalipurm, Chennai, Tamilnadu. He will replace His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias, the Archbishop of Bombay who served the Conference as its President for three terms of two years each from 2013 to 2019.

Most Rev. Dr. George Antonysamy Archbishop of Chennai- Mylapore and Most Rev. Dr. Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, the Archbishop of Delhi were re-elected CCBI Vice president and Secretary General respectively.

Archbishop Filipe Neri (65) was the former Vice President of the CCBI from 2011 to 2017. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman at the age of 40, on 20 December, 1993. He was installed as the Archbishop on 21 March, 2004. He also served the CBCI as its Vice President. He is presently the Chairman of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) Office of Education and Faith Formation (OEFF).

Archbishop Antonysamy (66), held various responsibilities of the Catholic Church in the past, viz. Pope’s Ambassador to Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone; charge d’Affaires of the Vatican Embassy in Jordan. In 2012 he was appointed the sixth Archbishop of Chennai-Mylapore Archdiocese.

The re-elected Secretary General of the CCBI Archbishop Anil Couto (64) held this office: he was the Auxiliary Bishop of Delhi, and Bishop of Jullundur. At present he is the Archbishop of Delhi since 2012.

The Assembly deliberated the theme “The Joy of the Gospel” and it will chalk out detailed programmes and action plans to revitalize the ministry of love and compassion for the Church at the diocesan and parish levels.

The Secretaries of the fourteen Commissions and the three Departments of the CCBI presented their biennial reports of the activities for the year 2017 and 2018. The Bishops evaluated the programmes of the CCBI Commissions of Bible, Catechetics, Canon Law and Other Legislative Texts, Ecumenism, Family, Laity, Liturgy, Migration, Proclamation, Theology and Doctrine, Vocations, Women and Youth and the Departments of Pontifical Mission Organisations (PMO), Conference of Diocesan Priests of India (CDPI) and the Association of Rectors of Major Seminaries (ARMS). A one day recollection for the member Bishops, directed by the well-known theologian, Rev. Dr. Anil Dev, IMS from Varanasi was also conducted.

The 31st Plenary Assembly of the CCBI will conclude on Monday, 14 January. 143 Bishops from 132 Dioceses are attending the meeting.

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) is canonically the National Episcopal Conference for the Latin rite Catholics. It is the largest Bishops Conference in Asia and the fourth largest in the world. It consists of 132 dioceses with 189 bishops.